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Departmental Awards

Each year, awards are presented to students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, possess qualities of character and show promise of a useful career in public service.

The James Dyke Van Putten Political Science Prize: An award given to a graduating senior who has excelled in the classroom and possesses those qualities of character and personality which give promise of a useful career in public service. The award is named after the first chairman of the political science department, who was a fine scholar and a United States diplomat.
The Renze Lyle Hoeksema Prize: An award for a junior majoring in political science who best demonstrates excellence in the classroom, interest in political science and promise of a useful career in public service.
James Zoetewey Political Science Department Book Awards: The Department of Political Science presents James Zoeteway book awards to students who have demonstrated unusual promise in political science classes and activities.
Robert Elder, Jr. Washington Honors Semester Award: The Department of Political Science presents the Robert Elder, Jr. Washington Honors Semester Awards to the student or students who have demonstrated unusual promise and performance throughout their semester in Washington, D.C.
Jack E. Holmes Award for International Engagement: The Department of Political Science presents the Jack E. Holmes Award for International Engagement to a junior or senior who has demonstrated excellence in simulations and knowledge of the United Nations, conducted research and/or exhibited good comprehension of U.S. foreign policy.